Maintaining an Organised Home: Daily Habits
Hey everyone, Elizabeth here from Improve Your Space! Keeping a home organised doesn’t have to mean spending hours every week tackling clutter. In fact, some simple daily habits can make a world of difference in maintaining that organised, stress-free space we all love.
Here are some of my go-to daily habits that help keep things tidy and manageable:
1. The “One-Minute” Rule
If something will take a minute or less to do, like hanging up a coat or putting shoes in the cupboard, just do it right away. The “one-minute” rule is a great way to keep clutter from building up and saves you from that dreaded weekend cleanup!
2. Make Your Bed Every Morning
Making your bed is a small, quick task, but it has a big impact. It instantly makes the room feel more orderly and sets a productive tone for the day. Plus, it's a small win that makes coming home later feel more calming and inviting.
3. Do a Quick Surface Declutter Each Evening
Take just five minutes each evening to clear any clutter on surfaces like benches, coffee tables, and desks. Putting items back in their places keeps the space tidy and makes it easier to start the next day fresh.
4. Sort Your Mail as Soon as You Get It
Mail can be a sneaky source of clutter. Get into the habit of sorting it as soon as you bring it inside. Keep a designated spot for bills, recycling for junk mail, and a folder for anything else you’ll need later.
5. End the Day with a “House Reset”
Before you head to bed, take five to ten minutes to tidy up main areas. Put stray items back in place, load or start the dishwasher, and give the kitchen bench a quick wipe-down. Waking up to a tidy space can really set a positive tone for your day.
6. Set Up a “Drop Zone” by the Door
Create a designated spot for items you’ll need when heading out: keys, handbags, jackets, and shoes. Having a drop zone helps avoid that “Where did I put my keys?” panic and keeps these items from being scattered around the house.
7. Involve the Whole Family
If you’re not living alone, maintaining an organised home is definitely a team effort. Encourage everyone to pitch in and make these daily habits part of their routines too. Simple tasks like tidying up toys or clearing the dinner table can make a big difference.
8. Tidy as You Go
Whether you’re cooking, working from home, or just relaxing, a quick tidy-up as you move from task to task helps keep everything in order. Wipe down counters after cooking, put items back in place after use, and avoid the need for a bigger cleanup later.
9. Regularly Assess “High-Clutter” Areas
Identify the spots in your home that tend to attract clutter – maybe it’s the kitchen bench or the coffee table – and make it a point to clear these areas daily. A quick tidy each day keeps these hot spots manageable and prevents clutter from creeping in.
Final Thoughts
These small daily habits don’t take much time, but they go a long way in keeping your home organised. And remember, it’s all about progress, not perfection! Adding even a couple of these habits to your routine can make a noticeable difference.